High accuracy transfer system for intact filling

ABSTRACT

A transfer system including at least one base structure having at least one fixture retaining member disposed along a length thereof. Each of the at least one fixture retaining members is configured to detachably secure a fixture thereon. A transfer carriage is configured to transport at least one fixture from a first position wherein each fixture is detachably secured to one of the at least one fixture retaining members of the at least one base structure to a second position wherein each fixture is detachably secured to another fixture retaining member of the same base structure.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a system and method for helping tomaintain the position and orientation of a work piece throughout thefilling and packaging process.

2. Description of the Related Art

Machines which are used for pierce filling and laser heat sealing of thefiling holes on a work piece require that the orientation and positionbe maintained from one operation to another. In conventional machines,the stretch, wear and tear, and backlash from the chain, sprockets,couplings, mountings, indexers and reducers can effect the orientationand position of the work piece. Work pieces also very greatly indimension and thus are difficult to transfer consistently and accuratelyfrom one operation station to another.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a transfersystem is provided, the transfer system including at least one basestructure having at least one fixture retaining member disposed along alength thereof. Each fixture retaining member is configured todetachably secure a fixture thereon. A transfer carriage is configuredto transport at least one fixture from a first position wherein eachfixture is detachably secured to one of the fixture retaining members ofthe base structure to a second position wherein each fixture isdetachably secured to another fixture retaining member of the same basestructure.

The transfer system may further include at least one side transfer arm.Each side transfer arm may be configured to transport at least onefixture from the first position to a third position wherein each fixtureis detachably secured to a fixture retaining member of a different basestructure.

In a disclosed embodiment, each fixture retaining member includes atleast one peg and each fixture defines at least one aperture thereinsuch that each peg is configured to engage a corresponding aperture andretain the fixture thereon. The transfer carriage may include at leastone recess which is configured to retain a fixture therein duringtransportation from the first position to the second position.

Each fixture may be configured to retain at least one work piecethereon. A gripper may be provided on each fixture, the gripper beingconfigured to retain a work piece thereon. Each gripper may also beconfigured to at least partially surround a work piece, wherein eachgripper secures the work piece by engaging the cap of each work piece.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, atransfer system is provided, the transfer system including first andsecond base structures disposed adjacent each other wherein each basestructure includes at least one fixture retaining member disposed alonga length thereof. Each fixture retaining member is configured todetachably secure a fixture thereon. A first transfer carriage isconfigured to transfer at least one fixture from a fixture retainingmember of the first base structure to another fixture retaining memberof the first base structure and a second transfer carriage is configuredto transfer at least one fixture from a fixture retaining member of thesecond base structure to another fixture retaining member of the secondbase structure. A first side transfer arm is configured to transfer atleast one fixture from a fixture retaining member of the first basestructure to a fixture retaining member of the second base structure anda second side transfer arm is configured to transfer at least onefixture from a fixture retaining member of the second base structure toa fixture retaining of the first base structure.

A method of transferring work pieces is also provided in accordance withthe present disclosure, the method including the steps of providing atransfer system, engaging the transfer carriage with at least onefixture disposed in the first position, lifting the transfer carriagesuch that the at least one fixture is lifted from the first position,moving the transfer carriage such that the at least one fixture istransported to a location above the second position, lowering thetransfer carriage such that the at least one fixture is lowered into thesecond position and disengaging the transfer carriage from the at leastone fixture. The transfer system includes at least one base structurehaving at least one fixture retaining member disposed along a lengththereof. Each of the fixture retaining members is configured todetachably secure a fixture thereon. A transfer carriage is configuredto transport at least one fixture from a first position wherein eachfixture is detachably secured to one of the fixture retaining members ofthe at least one base structure to a second position wherein eachfixture is detachably secured to another fixture retaining member of thesame base structure.

In another disclosed embodiment, the transfer system provided in themethod further includes at least one side transfer arm. Each sidetransfer arm may be configured to transport at least one fixture fromthe first position to a third position wherein each fixture isdetachably secured to a fixture retaining member of another basestructure.

The method may also include the steps of engaging at least one sidetransfer arm with at least one fixture disposed in the first position,lifting the at least one side transfer arm such that the at least onefixture is lifted from the first position, moving the at least one sidetransfer arm such that the at least one fixture is transported to alocation above the third position, lowering the at least one sidetransfer arm such that the at least one fixture is lowered into thethird position and disengaging the at least one side transfer arm fromthe at least one fixture.

Each of the at least one fixture retaining member may include at leastone peg and each fixture may defines at least one aperture therein suchthat each peg is configured to engage a corresponding aperture andretain the fixture thereon.

In a disclosed embodiment, the transfer carriage includes at least onerecess wherein each recess is configured to retain a fixture thereinduring transportation from the first position to the second position.Each fixture may be configured to retain at least one work piecethereon. At least one gripper may be provided on each fixture, eachgripper being configured to retain a work piece thereon. Each grippermay also be configured to at least partially surround a work piecewherein each gripper secures the work piece by engaging the cap of eachwork piece.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the presently disclosed high accuracy transfersystem are described herein with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a transfer system in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 2A-E are perspective views of the transfer system of FIG. 1,showing two fixtures being transferred from a first position to a secondposition;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the transfer system of FIG. 1, showingtwo fixtures, each fixture retaining three work pieces thereon viagrippers;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a work piece of FIG. 3A, showing agripper partially surrounding the work piece and engaging the work pieceat a cap of the work piece, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a transfer system in accordance withanother embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4B is an exploded perspective view of the fixtures of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the transfer system of FIG. 4A, whereinside transfer arms have begun to transport fixtures;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the transfer system of FIGS. 4A and 5,wherein the side transfer arms have transported the fixtures to above athird position;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the transfer system of FIGS. 4-6,wherein the side transfer arms have been disengaged from the fixture;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the transfer system of FIGS. 4-7,wherein the transfer carriage engages at least one fixture; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the transfer system of FIGS. 3-8,wherein the transfer carriage has transported the fixtures to a secondposition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the presently disclosed transfer system will now bedescribed in detail with reference to the drawings, in which likereference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in eachof the several views.

The presently disclosed transfer systems are configured such that workpieces are maintained in a substantially fixed orientation and positionon a fixture throughout the transferring of the fixtures from differentlocations. Maintaining a fixed orientation and position of the workpiece helps create a high-accuracy system applicable to transferring,filling, sealing, and other operations.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a transfer system 10including a base structure 100. Base structure 100 includes twosubstantially parallel beams 110, 160 spaced a distance 140 apart andconnected via connector beams 150. Beam 110 of base structure 100includes fixture retaining members 111-116 disposed along a lengththereof. Similarly, beam 160 of base structure 100 includescorresponding fixture retaining members 161-166 disposed along a lengththereof. Beams 110, 160 are shown having six fixture retaining members111-116, 161-166 each, however it is envisioned and within the scope ofthe present disclosure, that more or fewer fixture retaining members maybe provided. Each fixture retaining member 111-116 and correspondingfixture retaining member 161-166 are configured to detachably retain afixture thereon. Fixture retaining members 111-116, 161-166 are shown aspegs 111-116, 161-166 in the illustrated embodiments; however it isenvisioned that the fixture retaining members 111-116, 161-166 may beany mechanism configured to detachably retain a fixture thereon.

Fixtures 310, 330 are configured to releasably secure at least one workpiece thereon. As shown in FIG. 1, three work pieces 411, 412, 413 aresecured on fixture 310 and three work pieces 431, 432, 433 are securedon fixture 330. However, it is envisioned that the fixtures 310, 330 maybe configured such that more or fewer work pieces may be releasablysecured thereon. It is also envisioned that at least one work pieceholding device, such as grippers 311, 312, 313, 331, 332, 333 may bedisposed on fixtures 310, 330, respectively, in order to hold workpieces 411, 412, 413, 431, 432, 433, respectively, in a substantiallyfixed orientation and position.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, fixture 310 defines apertures 317, 318therein and fixture 330 defines apertures 337, 338 therein. Each fixture310, 330 may define two apertures, one aperture defined at a first endthereof and the other aperture defined at a second end thereof. As shownin FIG. 1, fixture 310 defines aperture 317 at first end 315 and definesaperture 318 at second end 316. Similarly, fixture 330 defines aperture337 at first end 335 and defines aperture 338 at second end 336. Theapertures 317, 337, 318, 338 are configured such that pegs 112, 113, and162, 163 disposed on beams 110, 160 respectively, may engage fixtures310, 330 and detachably retain fixtures 310, 330 thereon. As shown inFIG. 1, pegs 112, 162 of beams 110, 160, respectively are engagingapertures 317, 318 of fixture 310, detachably retaining fixture 310thereon. Pegs 113, 163 of beams 110, 160, respectively are engagingapertures 337, 338 of fixture 330, detachably retaining fixture 330thereon. In such a configuration, work pieces 411, 412, 413 are held ina substantially fixed position and orientation on fixture 310 bygrippers 311, 312, 313 and fixture 310 is held in a substantially fixedposition and orientation by the fixture retaining members 112, 162 ofthe base structure 100. Similarly, work pieces 431, 432, 433 are held ina substantially fixed position and orientation on fixture 330 bygrippers 331, 332, 333 and fixture 330 is held in a substantially fixedposition and orientation by the fixture retaining members 113, 163 ofthe base structure 100. Thus, this combination maintains a fixedorientation and position of each work piece 411, 412, 413, 431, 432,433. Furthermore, the spacing between pegs 111-116, 161-166 may beuniform or different distances.

Fixtures 310, 330 may further be configured such that a length offixtures 310, 300 is greater than the distance 140 between beams 110 and160. Thus, when the fixture retaining members 112, 162, 113, 163 engagefixtures 310, 330 (e.g. through a peg-aperture connection), a portion ofeach fixture extends beyond each beam 110, 160 of base structure 100,thereby creating an over-hang.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, a transferring carriage 200 is shownincluding beams 210 and 260. Beams 210, 260 of transfer carriage 200 aresubstantially parallel and spaced a fixed distance 240 apart. Thedistance 240 between beam 210 and beam 260 of transfer carriage 200 maybe greater than the distance 140 between beam 110 and beam 160 of basestructure 100 such that transfer carriage 200 may surround basestructure 100, as shown in FIG. 1. Each beam 210, 260 of transfercarriage 200 may also include at least one recess. Each recess 211-217,261-267 may be configured to retain a portion of a fixture therein.Specifically, each recess 211-217, 261-267 may be configured to acceptan end portion 315, 316, 335, 336 of a fixture 310, 330 which over-hangsthe base structure 100 as described above.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A-E, the operation of transfer system 10 inaccordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure will now bediscussed. As shown in FIG. 2A, fixture 310 is detachably secured tobase structure 100 via the engagement of peg 112 and aperture 317 at oneend 315 and the engagement of peg 162 and aperture 318 at the other end316. Similarly, fixture 330 is detachably secured to base structure 100via the engagement of peg 113 and aperture 337 at one end 315 and theengagement of peg 163 and aperture 338 at the other end 316. As a pointof reference, the position illustrated in FIG. 2A and described abovemay be an at-rest or first position. Transfer carriage 200 is positionedbelow base structure 100. Transfer carriage 200 is then translatedupwardly relative to base structure 100 in the direction of arrow A. Astransfer carriage 200 is moved farther in the direction of arrow A, iteventually contacts fixtures 310, 330. The recesses 212, 213, 262, 263on beams 210 and 260 of transfer carriage 200 engage each end portion315, 335, 316, 336 of fixtures 310, 330, respectively, which overhangbase structure 100. As transfer carriage 200 is moved even farther inthe direction of arrow A, fixture ends 315, 335, 316, 336, which are nowpartially disposed within recesses 212, 213, 262, 263, respectively, arelifted along with transfer carriage 200. As the fixtures 310, 330 arelifted along with transfer carriage 200, pegs 112 and 162 disengage fromapertures 317 and 318 and pegs 113 and 163 disengage from apertures 337and 338, respectively. Upward movement maintains the relative positionof work pieces 411, 412, 413, 431, 432, 433 with respect to transfercarriage 200 of transfer system 10.

Muhammad, we need additional information as to how the system moves thebeams of the transfer carriage both vertically and horizontally. Ipresume you would employ an electric motor coupled to the beams usinggears, pulleys, or the like. Also, what type of controller is coupled tothe system for regulating the movement of the beams? We would alsoappreciate line drawings for the two systems so we do not have to employthe services of a draftsman to prepare the drawings for filing in theUSPTO. Any additional information you could provide would be greatlyappreciated.

Referring now to FIG. 2B, transfer carriage 200 is positioned above basestructure 100 (as a result of the movement described above in connectionwith FIG. 2A), thereby suspending fixtures 310, 330 above base structure100. Apertures 317, 318 are positioned directly above pegs 112, 162,respectively and apertures 337, 338 are positioned directly above pegs113, 163, respectively. Transfer carriage 200, and thus fixtures 310,330, are then moved in the direction of arrow B relative to basestructure 100. Transfer carriage 200 moves fixtures 310, 330 in thedirection of arrow B until apertures 317, 318 are positioned directlyabove pegs 113, 163, respectively and apertures 337, 338 are positioneddirectly above pegs 114, 164, respectively.

Once transfer carriage 200 has moved fixtures 310, 330 such that 317,318 are positioned directly above pegs 113, 163, respectively andapertures 337, 338 are positioned directly above pegs 114, 164,respectively, transfer carriage 200 is lowered with respect to basestructure 100 in the direction of arrow C as shown in FIG. 2C. Transfercarriage 200 lowers fixtures 310, 330 in the direction of arrow C untilpegs 113, 163 of base structure 100 engage apertures 317, 318 of fixture310, respectively and pegs 114, 164 of base structure 100 engageapertures 337, 338 of fixture 330, respectively. Transfer carriage 200is lowered farther such that transfer carriage 200 is disengaged fromfixtures 310, 330, as shown in FIG. 2D.

FIG. 2E shows fixtures 310, 330 detachably secured to base structure 100via the engagement of pegs 113, 114 of beam 110 to the respectiveapertures 317, 337 of fixtures 310, 330 and via the engagement of pegs163, 164 of beam 160 to the respective apertures 318, 338 of fixtures310, 330. As illustrated in FIG. 2E, fixtures 310 and 330 are in asecond position.

FIGS. 2A-E illustrate one operation of transfer system 10 in whichfixtures 310, 330 are moved from the first position wherein fixtures310, 330 are retained by fixture retaining members 112, 162 and 113,163, respectively, of base structure 100 to the second position whereinfixtures 310, 330 are retained by fixture retaining members 113, 163 and114, 164, respectively, of base structure 100. Fixtures 310, 330 aretransported from the first position to the second position whilesubstantially maintaining the position and orientation of the workpieces 411, 412, 413, 431, 432, 433 with respect to the fixtures 310,330 and to base 100.

Simply by way of example, two fixtures 310, 330 are transported from afirst position to a second position in FIGS. 2A-E. However, it isenvisioned that more or fewer fixtures may be transported by thetransfer carriage 200. It is also within the scope of, and contemplatedby, the present disclosure that the fixtures 310, 330 be transportedsuch that the fixtures 310, 330 are transferred to different operationalstations along the base structure 100, such as filling stations andsealing stations. The first and second positions are simply used torepresent two different positions and are not intended to definespecific locations. As will be described hereinbelow, it is alsoenvisioned that the fixtures may be transported from one base structureto another base structure.

Referring now to FIG. 3A, two fixtures 310′ and 330′ are shown in whichanother embodiment of the grippers is shown. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 3A, fixture 310′ includes work pieces 411′, 412′, 413′ and fixture330′ includes work pieces 431′, 432′, 433′. Grippers 311′, 312′, 313′,331′, 332′, 333′ are partially surrounding work pieces 411′, 412′, 413′,431′, 432′, 433′, respectively. Referring now to FIG. 3B, an enlargedwork piece 411′ is shown, including work piece cap 411 x′. Gripper 311′is partially surrounding work piece 411′ with a first part 311 a′surrounding one side of work piece 411′ and a second part 311 b′surrounding an opposite side of work piece 411′. First and second parts311 a′, 311 b′ of gripper 311′ surround and engage cap 411 x′ of workpiece 411′, thereby securing work piece 411′ in a substantially fixedorientation and position. Gripper 311′ is secured to fixture 310′ suchthat work piece 411′ is secured in a substantially fixed orientation andposition to fixture 310′. While the specific embodiment of the grippersin FIGS. 3A-B are shown and described, it is contemplated that anygripper system in which a work piece is held in a substantially fixedorientation and position on the fixture is within the scope of thepresent disclosure.

In another embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure,illustrated in FIGS. 4-9, transfer system 20 comprises a first basestructure 1100 and a second base structure 2100 disposed adjacent tofirst base structure 1100. First and second base structures 1100, 2100are substantially similar to one another. First base structure 1100includes beams 1110, 1160, separated a fixed distance 1140 apart.Similarly, second base structure 2100 includes beams 2110, 2160,separated a fixed distance 2140 apart. Beam 1110 of first base structure1100 includes fixture retaining members 1111-1116 disposed along alength thereof. Beam 1160 of first base structure 1100 includescorresponding fixture retaining members 1161-1166 disposed along alength thereof. Beam 2110 of second base structure 2100 includes fixtureretaining members 2111-2116 disposed along a length thereof. Beam 2160of second base structure 2100 includes corresponding fixture retainingmembers 2161-2166 disposed along a length thereof. While six fixtureretaining members are shown disposed on each of beams 1110, 1160, 2110,2160, it is envisioned that more or fewer fixture retaining members1111-1116, 1161-1166, 2111-2116, 2161-2166 may be provided. Each fixtureretaining member 1111-1116, 2111-2116 and corresponding fixtureretaining member 1161-1166, 2161-2166 are configured to detachablyretain a fixture thereon. Fixture retaining members 1111-1116,1161-1166, 2111-2116, 2161-2166 are shown as pegs 1111-1116, 1161-1166,2111-2116, 2161-2166 in the illustrated embodiments, however it isenvisioned that the fixture retaining members 1111-1116, 1161-1166,2111-2116, 2161-2166 may be any mechanism configured to detachablyretain a fixture thereon.

A first transfer carriage 1200 is provided in connection with the firstbase structure 1100. A second transfer carriage 2200 is also provided,the second transfer carriage 2200 being associated with the second basestructure 2100. The first base structure 1100 and first transfercarriage 1200 and the second base structure 2100 and second transfercarriage 2200 may be configured substantially similarly to basestructure 100 and transfer carriage 200 of transfer system 10, discussedabove and illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2A-E. In this configuration, thedistance 1240 between beams 1210 and 1260 of first transfer carriage1200 would be greater than the distance 1140 between beams 1110 and 1160of first base structure 1100, such that first transfer carriage 1200 maysurround first base structure 1100. The distance 2240 between beams 2210and 2260 of second transfer carriage 2200 would also be greater than thedistance 2140 between beams 2110 and 2160 of second base structure 2100,such that second transfer carriage 2200 may surround second basestructure 2100. First and second base structures 1100, 2100 may includeat least one fixture retaining member, which may be a peg, and first andsecond transfer carriages 1200, 2200 may included at least one recess.The operation of each base structure 1100, 2100 and correspondingtransfer carriage 1200, 2200 would operate in substantially the samemanner as described above in connection with transfer system 10,comprising a single base structure 100 and transfer carriage 200.

Alternatively, both base structures 1100, 2100 and respective transfercarriages 1200, 2200 may be configured as shown in FIGS. 4-9. Asillustrated in FIG. 4A, first base structure 1100 includes beams 1110,1160 separated by a distance 1140. First transfer carriage 1200 includesbeams 1210, 1260 separated by a distance 1240, which is smaller thandistance 1140. Thus, as shown in FIG. 4A, first base structure 1100 maysurround first transfer carriage 1200. Similarly, second base structure2100 includes beams 2110, 2160 separated by a distance 2140. Secondtransfer carriage 2200 includes beams 2210, 2260 separated by a distance2240, smaller than distance 2140, such that second base structure 2100may surround second transfer carriage 2200. In this configuration, firstand second transfer carriages 1200, 2200 contain at least one pegdisposed along a length thereon. First and second base structures 1100,2100 also include at least one peg disposed along a length thereonconfigured to detachably secure a fixture thereon, as described above inconnection with transfer system 10.

With reference to FIG. 4B, each of fixtures 1310, 1330, 1350, 1370,1390, 2310, 2330, 2350, 2370, 2390 include three apertures defined at afirst end and three apertures defined at a second end. Fixtures alsoinclude grippers secured on each of the fixtures to retain work piecesthereon. Work pieces may be secured to any of the fixtures by thegrippers. The grippers are configured to hold work pieces in asubstantially fixed orientation and position.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4B, fixture 1310 defines apertures1317 a-c at a first end 1315 thereof and defines apertures 1318 a-c at asecond end 1316 thereof. Fixture 1310 also includes gripper 1311, 1322for retaining work pieces thereon. Fixtures 1330, 1350, 1370, 1390,2310, 2330, 2350, 2370, 2390 are configured in substantially the samemanner as fixture 1310. Thus, each fixture includes three aperturesdefined at a first end and three apertures defined at a second end. Eachfixture also includes two grippers for retaining work pieces thereon,although it is envisioned that more or fewer grippers may be provided.

Generally, the outer apertures (1317 a, 1337 a, 1357 a . . . , 1318 a,1338 a, 1358 a . . . 2317 a, 2337 a, 2357 a . . . , 2318 a, 2338 a, 2358a . . . ) are configured such that the pegs disposed on thecorresponding base structure (1100 for 13**a apertures, 2100 for 23**aapertures) respectively, may engage the outer apertures and detachablyretain the fixtures thereon. As shown in FIG. 4A, base 1100 includespegs 1111-1115 of beam 1110 engaging outer apertures 1317 a, 1337 a,1357 a, 1377 a, 1397 a of fixtures 1310, 1330, 1350, 1370, 1390,respectively, detachably retaining the fixtures thereon. Similarly, pegs1161-1165 of beam 1160 respectively are engaging outer apertures 1318 a,1338 a, 1358 a, 1378 a, 1398 a of fixtures 1310, 1330, 1350, 1370, 1390,respectively, detachably retaining the fixtures thereon. Base 2100includes pegs 2112-2116 of beam 2110 engaging outer apertures 2317 a,2337 a, 2357 a, 2377 a, 2397 a of fixtures 2310, 2330, 2350, 2370, 2390,respectively, detachably retaining the fixtures thereon. Similarly, pegs2162-1166 of beam 2160 respectively are engaging outer apertures 2318 a,2338 a, 2358 a, 2378 a, 2398 a of fixtures 2310, 2330, 2350, 2370, 2390,respectively, detachably retaining the fixtures thereon. In such aconfiguration, the fixtures are held in a substantially fixed positionand orientation by the fixture retaining members of the base structures,as described above and the work pieces may held in a substantially fixedposition and orientation on the fixtures by the grippers, as describedabove.

With continued reference to FIG. 4B, the middle apertures (1317 b, 1337b, 1357 b . . . , 1318 b, 1338 b, 1358 b . . . 2317 b, 2337 b, 2357 b .. . , 2318 b, 2338 b, 2358 b . . . ) defined on each fixture areconfigured to accept pegs of transfer carriages 1200, 2200, in order todetachably secure the fixtures onto transfer carriages 1200, 2200 duringtransferring from a first position to a second position, as will bedescribed in more detail below. The inner apertures (1317 c, 1337 c,1357 c . . . , 1318 c, 1338 c, 1358 c . . . 2317 c, 2337 c, 2357 c . . ., 2318 c, 2338 c, 2358 c . . . ) of each fixture are configured toaccept pegs of side transfer arms 1500, 2500 (FIG. 4A). Side transferarms 1500, 2500 will be discussed in more detail below.

As shown in FIGS. 4A & 5-9, side transfer arms 1500, 2500 are configuredto transport fixtures from one base structure 1100 or 2100 to anotherbase structure 2100 or 1100. Each side transfer arm 1500, 2500 includesa base portion and two extended arms. Each of the two extended armscontains at least one peg configured to retain a fixture thereon duringtransportation of the fixture. Side transfer arm 1500 includes pegs1511, 1512 and side transfer arm 2500 includes pegs 2511, 2512. Theoperation of the side transfer arms 1500, 2500 will be described in moredetail below.

The operation of transfer system 20, in accordance with one embodimentof the present disclosure will now be described with reference to FIGS.4-9. As shown in FIG. 4A, first base structure 1100 is disposed adjacentto second base structure 2100. Each base structure 1100, 2100 isdetachably securing five fixtures 1310, 1330, 1350, 1370, 1390, 2310,2330, 2350, 2370, 2390 thereon. Fixture retaining members 1111-1115 offirst base structure 1100 and corresponding fixture retaining members1111-1115 are securing fixtures 1310, 1330, 1350, 1370, 1390 thereon,via apertures outer apertures 13*7 a and 13*8 a (wherein * representsthe corresponding fixture, i.e., *=1 for fixture 1310, *=3 for fixture1330 . . . ), respectively. Fixture retaining members 2112-2116 ofsecond base structure 2100 and corresponding fixture retaining members2162-2166 are securing fixtures 2310, 2330, 2350, 2370, 2390 thereon,via outer apertures 23*7 a and 23*8 a respectively.

With continued reference to FIG. 4A, first side transfer arm 1500 isdisposed below fixture 1310 and second side transfer arm 2500 isdisposed below fixture 2390. Side transfer arms 1500, 2500 are movedupward, in the direction of arrow AA, with respect to base structures1100, 2100, such that pegs 1511, 1512 of first side transfer arm 1500engage apertures 1317 c, 1318 c of fixture 1310 and such that pegs 2511,2512 of second side transfer arm 2500 engage apertures 2397 c, 2398 c offixture 2390. Side transfer arms 1500, 2500 are raised farther upward,in the direction of arrow AA, such that apertures 1317 a, 1318 a and2397 b, 2398 b of fixtures 1310, 2390, respectively, are disengaged frompegs 1111, 1161, 2116, 2166, respectively and are positioned above basestructures 1100, 2100, respectively.

Referring now to FIG. 5, first side transfer arm 1500 is moved in thedirection of arrow BB. Fixture 1310, which is secured to first sidetransfer arm 1500, is thus also moved in the direction of arrow BB.Similarly, second side transfer arm 2500 is moved in the direction ofarrow CC. Fixture 2390, which is secured to second side transfer arm2500, is thus also moved in the direction of arrow CC. First sidetransfer arm 1500 is moved farther in the direction of arrow BB untilapertures 1317 a and 1318 a are positioned directly above pegs 2111 and2161, respectively, of second base structure 2100. Similarly, secondside transfer arm 2500 is moved farther in the direction of arrow CCuntil apertures 2397 a and 2398 a are positioned directly above pegs1116 and 1166 of first base structure 1100.

Referring now to FIG. 6, side transfer arms 1500, 2500 are disposedabove base structures 1100, 2100, respectively, as described above.First side transfer arm 1500 is then lowered in the direction of arrowDD with respect to base structure 2100 such that fixture 1310 is alsolowered in the direction of arrow DD with respect to base structure2100. Side transfer arm 1500 is lowered farther until pegs 2111 and 2161of base structure 2100 engage apertures 1317 a and 1318 a of fixture1310, respectively. Upon further lowering of side transfer arm 1500,pegs 1511, 1512 of side transfer arm 1500 are disengaged from apertures1317 a and 1318 a of fixture 1310. A substantially similar process iscarried out by side transfer arm 2500. Side transfer arm 2500 is loweredin the direction of arrow DD such that fixture 2390 is also lowered withrespect to base structure 1100 until pegs 1116 and 1166 of basestructure 1100 engage apertures 2397 a and 2398 a of fixture plate 2390,respectively. Pegs 2511, 2512 of side transfer arm 2500 are eventuallydisengaged from apertures 2397 a and 2398 a of fixture 2390.

FIG. 7 represents the positions of the fixtures relative to basestructures 1100, 2100 after the operation of side transfer arms 1500,2500 as described above. More specifically, FIG. 7 reflects that fixture1310 has been moved from base structure 1100 to base structure 2100while fixture 2390 has been moved from base structure 2100 to basestructure 1100.

While the above-described operation of transfer system 20 includes twobase structures and two side transfer arms, it is envisioned that morebase structures and thus more side transfer arms could also be used inaccordance with the present disclosure. It is also envisioned that theside transfer arms may be configured to detachably secure and transportmore than one fixture per operation.

Beginning with FIG. 7, another operation of transfer system 20 will nowbe described with reference to FIGS. 7-9.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, transfer carriage 1200 has been raised, in thedirection of arrow EE such that pegs 1211-2115 have engaged apertures1337 b, 1357 b, 1377 b, 1397 b and 2397 b, respectively and such thatpegs 1261-1265 have engaged apertures 1338 b, 1358 b, 1378 b and 1398 b,thereby securing fixtures 1330, 1350, 1370, 1390, 2390 thereon.Similarly, transfer carriage 2200 has been raised, in the direction ofarrow EE such that pegs 2211-2216 have engaged apertures 1317 b, 2317 b,2337 b, 2357 b and 2377 b, respectively and such that pegs 2261-2265have engaged apertures 1318 b, 2318 b, 2338 b, 2358 b and 2378 b,thereby securing fixtures 1310, 2310, 2330, 2350, 2370 thereon. In asubstantially similar manner as described above in relation to transfersystem 10, transfer carriages 1200, 2200 are then raised even further,disengaging the outer (“a”) apertures of the fixtures from pegs1112-1116, 1162-1166, 2111-2115, 2161-2165 of base structures 1100,2100. Transfer carriage 1200 may then be moved in the direction ofarrows FF (FIG. 8). Similarly, transfer carriage 2200 may then be movedin the direction of arrows GG, as shown in FIG. 8.

Referring now to FIG. 9, transfer carriages 1200, 2200 are lowered withrespect to base structures 1100, 2100, in the direction of arrow HH,such that pegs 1111-1115, 1161-1165, 2112-2116, 2161-2166 engage thecorresponding “a” apertures of the fixtures, thereby retaining thefixtures thereon. Lowering transfer carriages 1200, 2200 further in thedirection of arrow HH disengages the pegs on transfer carriages 1200,2200 from the “b” apertures of the fixtures.

While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in thedrawings and/or discussed herein, it is not intended that the disclosurebe limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad inscope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise.Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting,but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilledin the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spiritof the claims appended hereto.

1. A transfer system comprising: at least one base structure includingat least one fixture retaining member disposed along a length thereof,each of the at least one fixture retaining member being configured todetachably secure a fixture thereon; and a transfer carriage configuredto transport at least one fixture from a first position wherein eachfixture is detachably secured to one of the at least one fixtureretaining member of the at least one base structure to a second positionwherein each fixture is detachably secured to another fixture retainingmember of the same base structure.
 2. The transfer system of claim 1,further comprising at least one side transfer arm, each side transferarm being configured to transport at least one fixture from the firstposition to a third position wherein each fixture is detachably securedto a fixture retaining member of a different base structure.
 3. Thetransfer system of claim 1, wherein each of the at least one fixtureretaining member includes at least one peg and wherein each fixturedefines at least one aperture therein such that each peg is configuredto engage a corresponding aperture and retain the fixture thereon. 4.The transfer system of claim 1, wherein the transfer carriage includesat least one recess, each recess configured to retain a fixture thereinduring transportation from the first position to the second position. 5.The transfer system of claim 1, wherein each fixture is configured toretain at least one work piece thereon.
 6. The transfer system of claim1, wherein each fixture includes at least one gripper, each gripperbeing configured to retain a work piece thereon.
 7. The transfer systemof claim 6, wherein each gripper is configured to at least partiallysurround a work piece and wherein each gripper secures the work piece byengaging the cap of each work piece.
 8. A transfer system comprising:first and second base structures disposed adjacent each other, each basestructure including at least one fixture retaining member disposed alonga length thereof, each of the at least one fixture retaining memberbeing configured to detachably secure a fixture thereon; a firsttransfer carriage configured to transfer at least one fixture from afixture retaining member of the first base structure to another fixtureretaining member of the first base structure; a second transfer carriageconfigured to transfer at least one fixture from a fixture retainingmember of the second base structure to another fixture retaining memberof the second base structure; a first side transfer arm configured totransfer at least one fixture from a fixture retaining member of thefirst base structure to a fixture retaining member of the second basestructure; and a second side transfer arm configured to transfer atleast one fixture from a fixture retaining member of the second basestructure to a fixture retaining member of the first base structure. 9.A method of transferring work pieces comprising the steps of: providinga transfer system comprising: at least one base structure including atleast one fixture retaining member disposed along a length thereof, eachof the at least one fixture retaining member being configured todetachably secure a fixture thereon; and a transfer carriage configuredto transport at least one fixture from a first position wherein eachfixture is detachably secured to one of the at least one fixtureretaining member of the at least one base structure to a second positionwherein each fixture is detachably secured to another fixture retainingmember of the same base structure; engaging the transfer carriage withat least one fixture disposed in the first position; lifting thetransfer carriage such that the at least one fixture is lifted from thefirst position; moving the transfer carriage such that the at least onefixture is transported to a location above the second position; loweringthe transfer carriage such that the at least one fixture is lowered intothe second position; and disengaging the transfer carriage from the atleast one fixture.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the transfersystem further comprises at least one side transfer arm, each sidetransfer arm being configured to transport at least one fixture from thefirst position to a third position wherein each fixture is detachablysecured to a fixture retaining member of another base structure.
 11. Themethod of claim 10, further comprising the steps of: engaging at leastone side transfer arm with at least one fixture disposed in the firstposition; lifting the at least one side transfer arm such that the atleast one fixture is lifted from the first position; moving the at leastone side transfer arm such that the at least one fixture is transportedto a location above the third position; lowering the at least one sidetransfer arm such that the at least one fixture is lowered into thethird position; and disengaging the at least one side transfer arm fromthe at least one fixture.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein each of theat least one fixture retaining member comprises at least one peg andwherein each fixture defines at least one aperture therein such thateach peg is configured to engage a corresponding aperture and retain thefixture thereon.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein the transfercarriage includes at least one recess, each recess configured to retaina fixture therein during transportation from the first position to thesecond position.
 14. The method of claim 9, wherein each fixture isconfigured to retain at least one work piece thereon.
 15. The method ofclaim 9, wherein each fixture includes at least one gripper, eachgripper being configured to retain a work piece thereon.
 16. The methodof claim 15, wherein each gripper is configured to at least partiallysurround a work piece and wherein each gripper secures the work piece byengaging the cap of each work piece.